Energy Chief Says Enbridge Downplayed Damage to Line 5 Safety Coating
National Wildlife Federation Michigan’s energy chief says damage to the protective coating on an oil and gas pipeline that runs...
Rick Pluta has been covering Michigan’s Capitol, government, and politics since 1987. His journalism background includes stints with UPI, The Elizabeth (NJ) Daily Journal, The (Pontiac, MI) Oakland Press, and WJR. He is also a lifelong public radio listener.
Rick was one of the first Michigan political reporters to write about “pay-to-play” fundraising, and the controversies surrounding recognition of same-sex relationships. He broke the news that Gov. John Engler was planning a huge juvenile justice overhaul that included adult-time-for-adult-crime sentencing, and has continued to report since then on the effects of that policy decision.
He co-hosts the weekly segment “It’s Just Politics” on Michigan Radio with Zoe Clark.
Rick is fascinated by the game of politics, and the grand plans and human foibles that go into policy-making. You will never find him ice-fishing.
State Supreme Court Won’t Rule in Virgil Smith Ballot Case Before Election
vote-mi.org The Michigan Supreme Court has agreed to decide whether prosecutors can force elected lawmakers to give up their seats...
Dave Trott to Exit Congress After Two Terms
WDET Congressman Dave Trott (R-Birmingham) says he will not seek reelection next year and will retire after four years in...
Schuette Charges 11 with Faking Records in Veterans Neglect Scandal
WDET Eleven former employees of the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans have been charged with felonies for falsifying reports to...
Unemployment Fraud Lawsuit Against State Dismissed by Court of Appeals
Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency The Michigan Court of Appeals dismissed a lawsuit claiming the state wrongfully accused thousands of people...
Mackinac Bridge Making Security Plans for Labor Day Walk
Mackinac Bridge Authority The operators of the Mackinac Bridge are warning there could be big traffic backups leading into the...
State Superintendent Expects ‘Tough Negotiations’ on Help for Failing Schools
Michigan Department of Education Michigan’s education chief forecasts some contentious negotiations with federal officials on the state’s plans for identifying...
State Environmental Agency Sues Flint to Make Water Deal
Sascha Raiyn/WDET The state of Michigan is in federal court trying to force the city of Flint to accept a...
Calley: Part-Time Legislature Ballot Drive Destined for Court Fight
Jake Neher/WDET The ballot campaign to adopt a part-time Legislature amendment in Michigan decided to skip getting its petition approved...
Michigan Environmental Agency Scraps Line 5 Safety Report
Sandra Svoboda/WDET The state of Michigan has scrapped a risk study on Enbridge’s Line 5 and fired the contractor just...
Teacher Pension Overhaul Headed to Gov. Snyder
Jake Neher/WDET New teachers will get different retirement options than current school employees under a bill sent to Gov. Rick Snyder....
Tax Breaks Deal Falls Apart Amid GOP Feud
Political intrigue is being blamed for the collapse of a deal for the state to offer big tax breaks to...